Now Commenting On:

Martinez is GIBBY contender for run-saving throw

Martinez is GIBBY contender for run-saving throw

6/27/12: J.D. Martinez fields a single in left and fires a strong throw home to nab Alexi Amarista, preserving a one-run ninth inning lead

By Brian McTaggart
/
MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- There may have been more acrobatic or more electrifying defensive plays made by the Astros this year, but J.D. Martinez's throw from the outfield to cut down a runner at the plate in June trumps them all when you consider the circumstance.

With starting pitcher Lucas Harrell hanging onto a tenuous shutout in the ninth inning of a 1-0 game and with runners at first and second and one out, Martinez threw out San Diego's Alexi Amarista at the plate following a Logan Forsythe single to preserve a lead on June 27.

Harrell secured his first career complete game and shutout in dramatic fashion, striking out Nick Hundley for the final out to strand the bases loaded in a scintillating 1-0 win over the Padres. Martinez's throw saved the game and also earned him a GIBBY nomination for Play of the Year.

Major League Baseball's A-listers will take home 2012 GIBBYs trophies -- the ultimate honors of the sport's awards season -- based on votes by media, front-office personnel, MLB alumni, fans at MLB.com and the Society for American Baseball Research.